Despite banking £198,000 by reaching the fourth round at Melbourne Park and being two wins from becoming tennis’ latest millionaire, it doesn’t take long for 16-year-old Mirra Andreeva to come crashing back down to earth. Her homework is due.
‘I still don’t like chemistry,’ Andreeva said after being Ons Jabeur in round two. ‘I still have to do a lot of school.
‘It actually started two days ago, so I have to do it.’
The young Russian, who has earned more than £820,000 in career earnings to date and will be a tennis millionaire with two more wins in Melbourne, can be unintentionally funny when she addresses the media.
Her command of English is excellent – more than five years with a tutor has paid off handsomely – and, quelle surprise, she has become a darling for tennis fans.
In truth, Andreeva’s latest run at a Slam looked over a matter of hours ago. Having split 6-1 sets with Diane Parry, Andreeva was in tears at 5-1 down in the third. It looked to be over and the match commentator was questioning her mental strength.
The youngster who, along with her sister Erika, is fulfilling her mother’s dream to raise a tennis player, had to dig deeper than ever before.
